• Why the Transurban (ASX:TCL) share price just got upgraded by a leading broker

    Transurban share price ASX shares upgrade to buy asx 200 share price upgrade to buy represented by hand drawing line under the word upgrade

    The Transurban Group (ASX: TCL) share price got upgraded to “buy” following the successful $11.1 billion acquisition of WestConnex.

    Transurban is part of the Sydney Transport Partners (STP) consortium to win the bid for the remaining 49% stake in the Sydney tollway that is doesn’t already own.

    Transurban share price upgraded to buy

    Credit Suisse reckons this is an attractive deal. Thus, it has lifted its recommendation on the Transurban share price to “outperform” from “neutral”.

    “The deal gives TCL control of all of Sydney’s toll roads,” said the broker.

    “While we are cautious of the exuberance on the potential for attractive unsolicited deals, due to TCL’s challenges in the West Gate Tunnel Project, we think TCL is in a strong position to deliver value from further investment adjacent to its roads, likely without a competitive process.”

    Growth by acquisitions

    These near-term opportunities include M7 widening and M7/M12 interchange, noted Credit Suisse. Other takeover deals could include the Western Harbour Tunnel and Beaches Link – among others.

    “TCL’s disclosures imply ~A$1.8bn EBITDA contribution from WestConnex in FY28,” added the broker.

    “We previously forecast A$1.2bn FY28 EBITDA and now raise this to A$1.66bn.”

    Dividend dilution from $4.2bn capital raise

    But Transurban’s dividend is likely to fall nearer term as it undertakes a big capital raise. The ASX company is selling $4.22 billion new shares. This includes $3.97 billion worth of shares via a 1-for-9 entitlement offer to existing shareholders that’s priced at $13 a new share.

    The balance of the new share offer is sold to STP consortium member, Australian Super, at $13.07 a pop. This is in addition to Australian Super taking its full entitlement offer as a shareholder of Transurban.

    However, the dilution impact on dividends may be offset by a recovery in traffic flow post COVID lockdowns in FY23.

    What is the Transurban share price worth?

    Credit Suisse increased its 12-month price target on the Transurban share price by $1.10 to $15.10 a share.

    The broker’s bullish view doesn’t account for Transurban takeover appeal. Infrastructure owners are hot property as international bidders are hunting for quality monopolistic assets that can generate a dependable income stream.

    The recent corporate interest in the Sydney Airport Holdings Pty Ltd (ASX: SYD) share price and Ausnet Services Ltd (ASX: AST) share price are recent examples.

    The WestConnex transaction will only add to the Transurban share price appeal. The tollway connects Sydney’s west with the Sydney CBD, Sydney Airport and Port Botany. Transurban believes that 40% of Sydney’s population will live within 5 kilometres of WestConnex by 2031.

    The post Why the Transurban (ASX:TCL) share price just got upgraded by a leading broker appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for more than eight years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the five best ASX stocks for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at near dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now.

    *Returns as of August 16th 2021

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Brendon Lau has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3hVewIg

  • 3 quality ASX 200 dividend shares for income investors: expert

    a man throws his arms up in happy celebration as a shower of money rains down on him.

    The rise and fall of iron ore may have some income investors worried about what the next dividend might look like from leading ASX 200 dividend shares, BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) and Fortescue Metals Group Ltd (ASX: FMG).

    Other classic sectors for dividends, such as banks, have also come under recent scrutiny from the Reserve Bank of Australia. Policymakers have flagged that “sustained strong growth in credit in excess of income growth may result in vulnerabilities building in bank and household balance sheets”.

    In an interview with Livewire, MLC Asset Management’s Anthony Golowenko highlighted some “exciting opportunities” across various cash flow generating ASX 200 dividend shares.

    3 ASX 200 dividend shares with attractive yields

    Golowenko shared a few names that represent solid risk and reward for income-driven investors.

    First off the rank was Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP).

    “Recent results that have come out of the real estate sector in Australia have been quite strong.”

    “Centuria Industrial [is] coming out with a growth pipeline but also doing hard work in terms of leasing and quite meaningful asset re-valuations,” he commented.

    Golowenko also named Charter Hall Group (ASX: CHC) as another appealing ASX 200 dividend share.

    “[I]ts multichannel funds management business, core office, industrial logistics, and partnerships … have delivered north of $10 billion in strategic partnerships over the past seven years.”

    “And by doing so, in a sale and leaseback, can work collaboratively and constructively with their clients,” he said.

    Beyond real estate, Golowenko pointed to “something like Amcor CDI (ASX: AMC)”.

    “[I]n its result, it announced they’re increasing their global business, it’s very well managed.”

    “Their major Bemis integration and acquisition is bedded down and they’re extracting costs.”

    “We just see that as being a steady, diversified, very well run, very well managed business. And having a quality core, particularly in delivering consistent income that’s going to grow in line with inflation,” he said.

    The post 3 quality ASX 200 dividend shares for income investors: expert appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for more than eight years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the five best ASX stocks for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at near dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now.

    *Returns as of August 16th 2021

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Kerry Sun has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Amcor Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3nVDL0J

  • Why Adbri, AusNet, IAG, & Premier Investments shares are falling

    ASX shares downgrade A young woman with tattoos puts both thumbs down and scrunches her face with the bad news.

    In late afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record a solid gain. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up 0.5% to 7,310.7 points.

    Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market higher today are listed below. Here’s why they are falling:

    Adbri Ltd (ASX: ABC)

    The Adbri share price is down 1% to $3.31. This decline is entirely attributable to the building products company’s shares going ex-dividend today for its final dividend. In fact, if you took its 5.5 cents per share dividend out of the equation, the Adbri share price would be trading higher today. Eligible shareholders can now look forward to receiving this dividend on 6 October.

    Ausnet Services Ltd (ASX: AST)

    The AusNet share price is down 3% to $2.51. Investors have been selling the electricity distributor’s shares today due to uncertainty over the takeover battle between Brookfield and APA Group (ASX: APA). Although APA has offered a higher price, there is speculation that Brookfield’s lower bid of $2.50 per share may ultimately win the race.

    Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG)

    The IAG share price has fallen 3% to $4.88. Investors have been selling IAG and other insurance shares following the earthquake in Victoria earlier today. While the extent of the damage is unclear, investors aren’t taking any chances it seems.

    Premier Investments Limited (ASX: PMV)

    The Premier Investments share price is down 4% to $26.85. This morning analysts at Credit Suisse retained their neutral rating but cut their price target on the specialist retailer’s shares to $26.28. The broker believes there is downside risk to the company’s guidance due to lockdowns. Particularly given how fashion retailers could effectively miss out on the entire Spring season.

    The post Why Adbri, AusNet, IAG, & Premier Investments shares are falling appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for more than eight years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the five best ASX stocks for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at near dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now.

    *Returns as of August 16th 2021

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended APA Group and Insurance Australia Group Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Premier Investments Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3CBAdos

  • Imugene (ASX:IMU) share price jumps 6% on Japanese patent news

    Lab worker puts hands in the air and dances around

    The Imugene Ltd (ASX: IMU) share price is edging higher in afternoon trade on Wednesday and now trades at 48 cents apiece.

    That’s a 5.5% gain on the day, well ahead of the S&P/ASX 200 Health Care index which has climbed 0.45%.

    Imugene shares are on the move after the company announced a key patent update regarding one of its immunotherapies.

    Here’s what we know.

    Imugene share price jumps after patent approval

    Imugene advised it was granted patent approval from the Japanese Patent Office for protection over its HER-Vaxx immunotherapy.

    The HER-Vaxx regime is “currently in development” for a type of gastric malignancy known as HER2 positive gastric cancer.

    As a result of the approval, the patent grants protection over “method of composition and method of use” for the biopharma company’s label.

    This is the patent you’d want when applying for one – it covers the design and use of the product. That means Imugene’s rivals can’t copy how HER-Vaxx is made or copy its mechanism of action.

    What’s more, the patent grants protection over the company’s technology until 2036, giving Imugene plenty of time to get things right.

    The company’s announcement also notes that “approximately 75% of all gastric cancer diagnoses are in Asia”. It’s an alarming statistic compounded by the fact Japan has “the thirst highest incidence of gastric cancer worldwide”.

    Of these cases, “approximately one in five” is diagnosed as HER2 positive which means the market for HER-Vaxx is large. The potential to make a meaningful difference is equally as large.

    What did management say?

    Speaking on the announcement, Imugene’s CEO Leslie Chong said:

    Attaining the key Japanese patent is an important milestone. This adds extra value to Imugene’s portfolio of B-cell immunotherapies and this will protect them in one of the world’s largest HER2 positive gastric cancer markets until 2036.

    Imugene share price snapshot

    The Imugene share price has been a major outperformer this year to date, posting a return of 380% since January 1.

    In the last month alone, Imugene shares have climbed a further 68% into the green.

    This extends the return over the previous 12 months to 943%, well ahead of the broad index’s gain of around 25% over the past year.

    The post Imugene (ASX:IMU) share price jumps 6% on Japanese patent news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Imugene right now?

    Before you consider Imugene, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Imugene wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    *Returns as of August 16th 2021

    More reading

    The author Zach Bristow has no positions in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3CFxaMh

  • The Beach Energy (ASX:BPT) share price is leaping 6% on Wednesday

    Woman sits in lotus position on the sand as another woman leapfrogs over her.

    The Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) share price is soaring today despite no news having been released by the company.

    However, it might be being pushed higher by the price of oil, which is on an upwards trajectory today.

    Right now, the price of a barrel of Brent Crude oil is up 1.06% to US$75.13. Meanwhile, the price of West Texas Intermediate is up 1.16% to US$71.31 per barrel.

    This might be boosting the Beach Energy share price higher. At the time of writing, the energy producer’s shares are going for $1.13 apiece, 4.8% more than they were at yesterday’s close.

    Let’s take a closer look at what might be boosting Beach Energy’s stock today.

    Energy sector gains alongside price of oil

    The Beach Energy share price is soaring today as is the price of oil.

    According to reporting by Reuters, the price of oil rose on Tuesday (Wednesday morning AEST) following oil producers’ struggles to provide enough of the black liquid to sate demand.

    However, the supply worries were reportedly counterbalanced by Russia’s belief that demand for oil won’t recover to 2019 levels due to the world’s changing energy needs.

    Additionally, US oil inventories fell last week as many oil drilling operations are continuing to recover from Hurricane Ida, which halted production in the Gulf of Mexico.

    Beach Energy’s stock isn’t the only energy share to record gains today. In fact, most of the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) is in the green today.

    The sector is being led by the Worley Ltd (ASX: WOR) share price, which is up 5.5%.

    Beach Energy share price snapshot

    Despite today’s gains, the Beach Energy share price is struggling on the ASX.

    It has fallen 39% since the start of 2021. It has also dropped 17% since this time last year.

    The post The Beach Energy (ASX:BPT) share price is leaping 6% on Wednesday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Beach Energy right now?

    Before you consider Beach Energy, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Beach Energy wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    *Returns as of August 16th 2021

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/2ZftCSh

  • Here are the 3 most heavily traded ASX 200 shares this Wednesday

    a person's legs and an arm sticks out from underneath a large ball of scrunched paper.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is having a fairly decent day of trading on the share market today, in stark contrast to Monday’s shellacking. The ASX 200 is currently up 0.51% at the time of writing to 7,311 points.

    But let’s dig a little deeper and check out the ASX 200 shares that are topping the charts for raw trading volume at the time of writing, according to investing.com.

    The 3 most heavily traded ASX 200 shares on Wednesday

    South32 Ltd (ASX: S32)

    ASX 200 mining company South32 is our first ASX share to check out today. This resources share has seen a hefty 15.67 million shares trade so far this Wednesday.

    With no news or major announcements out of South32 today, we can probably put this high volume down to the healthy 2.28% gain to $3.36 a share South32 has enjoyed so far today. This recovery follows the brutal sell off we saw in this miner earlier in the week.

    Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG)

    Another ASX 200 miner is next up, Fortescue Metals. This Wednesday has seen a sizeable 18.59 million Fortescue shares swap hands so far. As with South32, Fortescue has had a very wild week so far, mostly due to the ructions we have seen in commodity markets recently.

    Fortescue shares are up a very healthy 4.14% today so far to $15.36 which is the likely cause of such high trading volume. Even after today’s rise, this miner is still down almost 25% over the past month.

    AusNet Services Ltd (ASX: AST)

    And our most traded ASX 200 share today is none other than energy company AusNet, with a whopping 19.83 million shares bought and sold. This high volume follows the AusNet share price losing a nasty 2.9% so far this Wednesday.

    This can probably put down to the company’s ongoing takeover saga. Despite today’s loss, AusNet shares are still up a very pleasing 25% or so since last Friday.

    The post Here are the 3 most heavily traded ASX 200 shares this Wednesday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in AusNet right now?

    Before you consider AusNet, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and AusNet wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    *Returns as of August 16th 2021

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3nSzo6I

  • These 3 ASX Healthcare shares are running hot today

    three excited doctors with hands in the air

    The S&P/ASX 200 index (ASX: XJO) has spent the day in the green and is currently 0.5% higher at 7,309.7 points.

    Healthcare shares are amongst the strongest performers leading the broad index’s recovery today, with the S&P/ASX 200 Health Care index (XHJ) gaining 0.45% since the open.

    These three ASX healthcare shares are standouts in today’s session.

    Bod Australia Ltd (ASX: BDA)

    CBD and hemp manufacturer Bod Australia’s share price has soared higher on Wednesday and landed almost 12% in the green.

    Bod’s shares are now changing hands at 29 cents apiece after the company announced a key clinical milestone earlier today.

    Bod advised that it had entered into an agreement with “Australia’s leading respiratory and sleep institute” for a “schedule 3 trial” of a new CBD product.

    The study will examine the efficacy of Bod’s “unique CBD formulation” over a 12 week period, at the Woodlock Institute of Medical Research.

    According to Bod, this “unlocks a large opportunity”, as the “schedule 3 market (is) valued at $250 million”, and the “unregulated market” could be worth around $3.5 billion.

    Bod will also “leverage established relationships” with key partners following “product registration with the Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA)”.

    Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX: CUV)

    Global biopharmaceuticals company Clinuvel’s share price has gained 5% today, despite no market sensitive news for the company.

    However, Clinuve’s share price jumped after the company announced some amendments to its Annual General Meeting (AGM).

    The company advised that its AGM will be held online in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, on Wednesday 10 November, with the time yet to be confirmed.

    As such, shareholders will have to tune in to the virtual meeting remotely – but the decision does allow the meeting to take place.

    Clinvel’s shares have been on an extended rally since the company announced record revenues and profit in its FY21 results last month. Since then, the Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals share price has climbed 49% to date.

    Imugene Limited (ASX: IMU)

    Another ASX healthcare share gaining steam today is biopharma company Imugene, posting a gain of 5% on the day.

    Imugene shares are on the move after the company announced that its HER-Vaxx immunotherapy was granted patent approval in Japan.

    This is a big move for the company and its HER-Vaxx regime, which is “currently in development” for gastric cancer.

    As a result, Imugene’s HER-Vaxx therapy has protection in Japan, for the “composition and method of use” in its application.

    The release also notes that “approximately 75% of all gastric cancer diagnoses are in Asia”, and that Japan has the “thirst highest incidence rate of gastric cancer worldwide”.

    Imugene is hoping to make a meaningful difference to that statistic with its immunotherapy.

    These three ASX Healthcare shares have beaten the broad indices today.

    The post These 3 ASX Healthcare shares are running hot today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in ASX healthcare shares right now?

    Before you consider ASX healthcare shares, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and ASX healthcare shares wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    *Returns as of August 16th 2021

    More reading

    The author Zach Bristow has no positions in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3ku38ok

  • Top broker tips Treasury Wine (ASX:TWE) share price to rise 17%

    A happy couple drinking red wine in a vineyard.

    The Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) share price is pushing higher again on Wednesday.

    In afternoon trade, the wine giant’s shares are up 1% to $11.99.

    This means the Treasury Wine share price is now up 25% since the start of the year.

    Where next for the Treasury Wine share price?

    The good news for investors is that the Treasury Wine share price could still have room to run higher.

    That’s the view of the team at Morgans, which have recently retained their add trading and $14.01 price target on the company’s shares.

    Based on the current Treasury Wine share price, this suggests there’s still almost 17% upside over the next 12 months.

    Why is the broker bullish?

    According to the note, the broker felt that Treasury Wine’s FY 2021 results last month were commendable.

    Morgans commented: “Given the number of external headwinds TWE faced in FY21, we think its result was commendable, with many areas across the business beating expectations.”

    And while it acknowledges that no guidance was given and COVID-19 is creating uncertainty, the broker remains positive on its outlook.

    This is particularly the case for the longer term, which Morgans highlights should be supported by sustainable top line growth and falling costs.

    It said: “We forecast double digit EBITS growth in FY23 and FY24 from materially lower COGS, a full COVID recovery, benefits from its new operating model and Penfolds reallocation strategy.”

    What else?

    In addition, the broker was pleased with the company’s restructuring. It believes the restructuring leaves the company well placed for growth and the Treasury Wine share price undervalued on a sum of the parts (SOTP) basis.

    Morgans explained: “TWE’s new divisional operating model is now in place and is aimed at maximising the benefits of separate focus across its brand portfolios, rather than regions. We think its new structure is essentially trying to create the benefits of a demerger without actually demerging. TWE is now better positioned to take advantage of previously untapped growth opportunities across the globe, including M&A.”

    “The new divisions allow the market to properly value the Penfolds brand and in our view, proves that the SOTP is worth more than the whole. We maintain an Add rating,” it added.

    The post Top broker tips Treasury Wine (ASX:TWE) share price to rise 17% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Treasury Wine right now?

    Before you consider Treasury Wine, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Treasury Wine wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    *Returns as of August 16th 2021

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Treasury Wine Estates Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/2XF7Ruf

  • AGL (ASX:AGL) share price gains 3% as chair acknowledges ‘very disappointing year’

    a business person sits at a boardroom table with a sad and apologetic look on his face with empty chairs around him and papers on the desk in front of him.

    AGL Energy Limited’s (ASX: AGL) stock is gaining today despite the company’s chair stating its share price’s recent performance is “not acceptable”.  

    AGL’s chair Peter Botten made the comments at the company’s annual general meeting (AGM) today. There, he acknowledged financial year 2021 was “extremely challenging” for AGL and “very disappointing” for its shareholders.

    On a more positive note, the board managed to avoid a spill as more than 75% of shareholders voted in favour of AGL’s remuneration resolution.

    Botten put the company’s poor performance down to low wholesale electricity prices and increasing demand for decarbonisation.

    Despite the chair’s unenthusiastic address, the company’s share price is in the green.

    At the time of writing, the AGL share price is $5.71, 3.53% higher than its previous close.

    Let’s take a closer look at AGL’s AGM.

    Here’s what happened at AGL’s AGM

    The AGL share price has climbed following the boss’s acknowledgment of its poor performance.

    Over the course of financial year 2021, the AGL share price fell a massive 59%.

    According to the company’s chair, the company’s struggles have resulted from operating and market headwinds.

    Such challenges were supposedly identified by the company years before. However, their impact was miscalculated before being worsened by COVID-19 and mild weather.

    Additionally, Botton stated the transition to decarbonisation hit the AGL share price hard as the company’s position as Australia’s largest carbon emitter weighed on the market.

    As a result, AGL is planning to “lean harder” towards renewable energy.

    Botton also reconfirmed the company’s outlook for the current financial year. It expects to see earnings of between $220 million and $340 million – a “material reduction” on that of financial year 2021.

    The company’s CEO Graham Hunt outlined the company’s plans to change the running of its coal-fired power plants.

    Hunt stated AGL will be creating more of its coal-fired power when demand is at its highest. This will allow for more downtime.

    It also plans to undergo its much-anticipated demerger in the new year.

    Botton noted the support for a motion to force the company to provide emissions reductions in line with the Paris Agreement. However, the motion didn’t manage to get to a vote.

    Because of the demand, Botton reiterated AGL will provide emissions reduction targets before the demerger occurs, saying:

    The success and speed of the transition [towards decarbonisation] will require an effective level of coordination between government, regulators and industry and the board does not believe it is in the best interests of AGL to make this commitment unilaterally.

    The task is to create a glide path rather than a crash landing.

    AGL share price snapshot

    The AGL share price hasn’t rebounded from its dramatic drop in financial year 2021.

    It is still 52% lower than it was at the start of 2021. It has also fallen 20% over the last month.

    The post AGL (ASX:AGL) share price gains 3% as chair acknowledges ‘very disappointing year’ appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in AGL Energy right now?

    Before you consider AGL Energy, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and AGL Energy wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    *Returns as of August 16th 2021

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

    The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/2XF5SWP

  • Evergrande on investors’ minds and miners in focus. Scott Phillips on Nine’s Late News

    Scott Phillips on Nine Late News 15 Sept 2021.

    Motley Fool Australia Chief Investment Officer Scott Phillips joined Nine’s Late News on Tuesday night to discuss the unfolding Evergrande saga, a bit of bargain hunting among resources investors, and the ongoing demand for infrastructure companies among private equity investors and Super funds.

    The post Evergrande on investors’ minds and miners in focus. Scott Phillips on Nine’s Late News appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for more than eight years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the five best ASX stocks for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at near dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now.

    *Returns as of August 16th 2021

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Scott Phillips has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/39rQP5y